Texas removes live-in provider restriction in consumer-directed services
What families need to know
Texas removed a Consumer Directed Services rule that barred certain Community First Choice personal attendant or habilitation providers from living with the person receiving services in HCS and TxHmL. This may expand provider options, but families should confirm eligibility with their service coordinator or financial management services agency before making changes.
Texas families who use Consumer Directed Services may have a little more flexibility when choosing a personal attendant or habilitation provider. Texas removed a policy that barred certain Community First Choice providers from living with the person receiving services.
This update matters for people using Consumer Directed Services through the Home and Community-based Services program, often called HCS, the Texas Home Living program, called TxHmL, and Community First Choice, called CFC. It does not automatically make every family member eligible to be a paid provider. It does remove one specific living-arrangement barrier that was written into the state forms.
What changed
On August 10, 2026, the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership announced updated Consumer Directed Services forms. The agency removed the policy that prohibited a CFC personal attendant services or habilitation provider from living with the person receiving services in HCS and TxHmL.
The updated forms include employee qualification, relationship, and service-agreement materials used in Consumer Directed Services. Texas also updated some instructions to use person-centered and plain-language rules. Spanish updates to some forms are still in progress.
Who this may affect
This may help families and adults who have had trouble finding a provider who can meet their support needs. It may be especially relevant when a person already lives with a trusted support person, or when a rural area has limited provider options.
Consumer Directed Services has its own rules about who may provide services, how the employer role works, and how the person’s service plan is followed. The new update removes one restriction. It does not replace the rest of those rules.
What families can do
- If you use HCS, TxHmL, or CFC through Consumer Directed Services, ask your service coordinator or financial management services agency whether the change applies to your current service arrangement.
- If you are considering a provider who lives with your child or adult family member, ask what qualification, relationship, and documentation rules still apply before changing anything.
- Keep copies of your service plan and any provider communications in case you need to clarify how the policy works for your family.
What happens next
The updated forms are available through the Texas Health and Human Services Consumer Directed Services handbook. Families do not have a published deadline to act, but it may be helpful to raise the question at your next planning meeting or provider conversation.
Quick questions
Can a parent who lives with their child now be paid automatically?
No. This update removes a specific live-in restriction for certain CFC personal attendant and habilitation arrangements. Other eligibility, relationship, program, and employment rules still apply. Your service coordinator or financial management services agency can explain what applies to your situation.
Does this apply to every Texas waiver program?
The update specifically references Consumer Directed Services forms used with HCS, TxHmL, and Community First Choice. Ask your program contact whether your services use these forms.
Do I need to submit a new form right away?
No immediate family deadline was announced. Use the updated forms and guidance when you are reviewing or changing a Consumer Directed Services arrangement.
Source: Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, Consumer Directed Services Publication Updates